Erin Parsons, The Makeup Artist Behind Gigi Hadid's Best Looks, Got A Major New Gig

Behind every celebrity makeup look, there’s an artist with a vision — just like Erin Parsons, the genius behind Gigi Hadid's best looks. But every now and then, celeb makeup artists get the attention they deserve, earning a certain amount of fame in their own right (hi, Pat McGrath and Mario Dedivanovic). Erin Parsons is about to become a one of those big names in beauty, thanks to a new global gig with Maybelline.

Parsons is the master behind some of the Gigi's best looks — including her genius monochromatic look at the 2017 Met Gala and glowy AMAs looks (the latter of which was created with all Maybelline products).
Now in addition to creating all of Hadid’s personal looks, she’ll be overseeing all of Maybelline’s artistry for campaigns and marketing materials as well as the brand’s lipstick print at New York Fashion week, reports WWD. Talk about a promotion.

As the new top dog at a major cosmetics brand, it's no surprise Parsons has some seriously honed skills. She started as a beauty counter girl in her hometown, hanging Maybelline ads on her walls for inspiration before eventually working her way up to be the assistant to the legendary Pat McGrath. “I grew up in a poor, strict household, but I was obsessed with makeup and how it made me feel,” Parsons told WWD. “I literally got caught stealing Great Lash mascara when I was a kid — and I’ve already told the president of Maybelline this — and now I’m the global makeup artist.”

Parsons plans to bring some of her signature edge and playfulness to her new role at Maybelline. “I would like to do some really out-there looks, but I have to do it in baby steps,” she said. “I would really like to push people’s ideas of what they can do for fun, because makeup is fun.”

Now that she’s achieved global celebrity makeup artist status, there’s only one thing left to do: launch her own line. “That’s the next step,” she said. “It’s always been a little dream of mine to make certain products that don’t exist yet.” Here’s hoping an edgy Parsons collab launches sooner than later so we’ll be able to get glammed just like Gigi.